Manacles, Symbol, and Proto are the current reigning meta for tanks. Manacles is by far the most powerful of all tank arts with symbol being a close 2nd. I use Gemini art a lot if I wanna use perfect poise slot for its strong shield (w/ Gemini buffs making it stronger) and having more control from control effects. Lasso is useful in certain situations, but far and few. Circe's mask has been useful in certain situations, but I have yet to test it more. Kiting is a technique many need to learn and perfect. Full time tank here, soon to be a part time healer. Always looking to support new tanks and content in educating new tanks. I usually run elite raids and liked your explanation of tanks not being "invincible". It's more like you've been thrown into a bull pen with only a red cloth and you are running for your life. Lol
The mask has been quite helpful in elite content because when ads break your shield they get stunned and it gives you time to react. I love the benefits it gave in ffe.
I am trying to learn how to tank now but am still very new. Even a lot of the beginner videos sounds like another language to me but I'm trying to educate myself and learn. I'm currently just trying to stack SPs and salvage as much as possible while leveling up so I have the resources I need once I figure out what powers I need to focus on.
I've gotten back into tanking after four years, and one thing that never changes are "OP DPSes" running ahead of the tank. What I would suggest is to not be afraid of telling someone to back off if they're constantly underfoot. It's just Raiding 101 that you don't run ahead of the tank. My attitude is if a damage farmer goes down where I'm tanking, that's just too bad, and it needs to be a learning moment for that person. If someone is so close they can't see when the skull is over the bosses head, they deserve to get one-shotted. That sounds harsh, but how else are they going to learn the game? One of the worst things to happen to DCUO was the CR skip token because it takes a while to learn how to play a role, and the nuances of the powers. I'll own that I was completely awful my first few months in the game, but because I was forced to learn over the course of working my way through the older content, and getting a feel for how the game works, by the time I got to what was then the end of game, I could at least hold my own in DPS or support. It's not talent, it's repetition, and people letting you know what you're doing wrong and right.
"If someone is so close they can't see when the skull is over the bosses head, they deserve to get one-shotted. That sounds harsh, but how else are they going to learn the game?" I have been playing the game for quite a long time and I still have issues seeing the tells of the raids at times. Its not that people are not learning but its because its literally hard to see it with all of the digital noise and clutter of power particles/FX. Its even worse on people with glasses and those whom are older and are a bit slower on reflexes. " It's just Raiding 101 that you don't run ahead of the tank." Initially,people these days go into an MMORPG like DCUO and automatically assume its like any other game. Not to mention each MMORPG is different in terms of content,style and role mechanics. Going into a game like this is not for everyone and the ones that want to push the genre to go faster an faster are ruining it honestly. I get in debates with these same people all the time about story...well if you slowed down enough to pay attention or acknowledge things you might realize the content is the story. DCUO is about experiencing the story...not about being told or shown it. "It's not talent, it's repetition, and people letting you know what you're doing wrong and right." Repetition is most of it. Also people letting you know what you are doing right and wrong is subjective and based on a percentage of preference. I am not saying there is no elitism,min/maxing or meta,I am just saying that people can play well in any role if they have enough experience. Take Dacks video here...a lot of what he has stated is NOT basics. His choices were at times based on a style and power he prefers....also what he has experienced. The basics is what you need to focus on for each version of that role/power...in this case for a tank there are 4 builds (a build for each focus which is weapons,hybrid or power and than battle tanking which is outside the box and could use any focus depending on the rest of your build) to base "basic" goals on. At the end of the day,people need to stop forcing the meta on others and focus more on helping others develop what they are comfortable with. A good player can make almost any build work if they know what to do. Sadly,like I commented on the video...people rebel against being directed or told how to do something. I understand if the player is aware and is playing an underdog build because they want to or an experienced player playing a battle tank...but when it is clear that the player has no idea of synergy and stuff because they are new or playing mindlessly I do not understand why people are unable to take criticism and help.
@@Something-Somes You're right that there are some issues with pixels and noise, but a player should be aware of those and adjust their game accordingly. My vision and reflexes aren't what they used to be, but that means I'm a little further back, and more willing to pop a shield. My point is that there are players who are so close they come between the tank and the boss which makes it difficult for a tank to do his/her job. Tanks exist in other MMORPGs just as surely as there are DPSs who run ahead of them, and get knocked out all the time. There are all kinds of good players and good approaches to playing DCUO, but even more bad ones. Most of the bad play comes from players who disregard what the rest of the team is doing, the mechanics and scoreboard chasing. Bad players need to be called out for bad teamwork, and selfish play.
@@tamartin64 Yeah and no,in some cases the so called "bad players" could be fine but the other players just do not want to play a certain way. Take battle tanking for an example,its slower because of the stat spread on the tank...people hate having to slow down for the tank and never want to adjust. Its more up to the players behind the tank to adjust rather than the tank adjust to them. Its proper etiquette in MMORPGs to follow the tank. If a good tank knows they are outclassed they will need to communicate with the group to get extra help with control and focused heals. But yeah,it comes down to positive communication and not being negative. At the end of the day there will always be that 1 person you have no choice but to leave the group for...it happens and comes with the genre. Sometimes if you get a good group they can carry they bad apples but unfortunately that can be a rare happening these days lol.
Tanking elite content has caused me to see how important Manacles of Force are. I also 100% support the use of Eye of Gemini. There’s no need to use 2 supercharges because 25% supercharges have only a 15 second cooldown. I use it for the 6 seconds buffs, but I also pop Pheremone Bloom as a huge self-heal in case things get ugly. That’s almost always enough to extend my life to fix any issues, like Brick dying or Stoneskin ending.
Great guide! I have been wrapping my head around tanking in DCUO (Currently playing an Ice Tank). Feel like I have a pretty good grasp on it, but this definitely cleared up some things for me.
Great video. I find most of the advice to be a little more relevant to elite content. I would also mention that tanks are nearly invincible in normal content, where gemini becomes better
Awesome guide here. I casually would tank and I familiar with it. This is very helpful in reinforcing things I might have forget since I don't tank. I mainly use DPS with Healing and now I feel like I should attempt tank again.
I use dilustel at rank 160 because the health buff does alot especially if someone has a cog or tetra my sp is 522 so i dont need to max them my other two artifacts are at 120
You can stack the benefits of that artifact especially if your rage or atomic by wearing the Everyman and using Queen Diana's passive ability. Your pulls will not only Grant you increased health but they will reduce the damage of your enemy's attacks and increase your defense.
And for dominance use base mods it'll put you over. You can use the extra skill points for health or if you feel like your really lacking in damage put a Lil in precision
@@TuffLuckBro it does have a shield works a Lil different than the rest. For one it damages your enemies over time too it negates some damage and the damage you do receive it heals multiplied by that which will depend on your restoration vitality and might.
@@TuffLuckBro also as a fire tank you're healing so much from just using powers to pull and tank that you shouldn't need a shield. And if you got the right load out and artifacts you should have an extra slot left to get a hardlite shield for just incase
@@TuffLuckBro I do more damage/ take more than other tanks that are above my cr and heal myself more than healers heal everyone and I heal others at the same time bc of my artifacts. It's a more complex build to use but once you master it nothing really competes which is why they keep trying to nerf it
How do you feel about the new Marvel MMO? Would you want it to be like DCUO where you create your own toon, or like Marvel Heroes where you play as Ironman, Spider-Man, Wolverine etc.?
I'm interested just because it's new but it would have to be one where you can create your own toon or I wouldn't even try to play it. It's getting a slot in my next news dump.
@@DackMan I am with you on this. I have played all the diablo style Marvel Aliance games and the flop much like those that was Omega...I just feel more inclined to play my own character than to play one that is already established for me. It allows me to be creative and express myself all while also having fun playing the game. The variety and ability to be unique from others is appealing...which also leads into power types and other forms of options for playing...if you only have a choice of iconic characters its ok but you have no option to change what they do or what they look like and so on. It can get stale...if you have the ability to change it whenever you want than it freshens things up a bit. I think this is where DCUO excels because they do have modes that allow you to play with iconic characters while also having your own. I feel if this new Marvel MMO follows the same formula as DCUO...I think everyone from DCUO will switch just for something new. Which will result in the fall of DCUO sadly. Though I will be with DCUO until the very last moment its online or until I die...I am just too invested at this point.
The issue with communication and Tanking is that no one wants to listen to you,as a matter of fact...its like that with any role. With this generation it has come to be that if you direct someone with instructions they immediately rebel and do what they want anyway.
@@comettoss3935 It was a bad choice of words,I meant to say younger players but yes and no to your comment. It generally has to do with how a person is raised and what state the general public is in. People in general have been getting desensitized and conditioned to be the way they are...opting for the proverbial blue pill and living in their fabricated matrix. Though at the end of the day,people do have the right to play how they please and you really do not have the right to judge them for it. Some people play to have fun,some to relax and some to just win at any cost. If you want the latter than you should find a league and leave the pubs alone. Otherwise adapt to them and suck it up. That is how it is when the roles are reversed so it is only logical to follow that etiquette. Its not like the developers will adjust to the people so we have to adjust to eachother and the game. If you refuse to do that than just move on to another game...you are just making things unenjoyable for yourself and everyone else.
It's also a great power if you're a seasonal player who understands PVP. You can apply what's you learned like looking for opportunities to counter and enemies attacks.
Okay I really need help to understand this , I use to play on PlayStation years ago and I was a healer mainly but I’m starting to love tanking on the Xbox side but I be watching videos on them tanking elite and they barely be taking damage and when I get in elite it’s like I can barely survive the tsde bosses or ads but I beat towwe yesterday and I was fire and I love it but I switch to atomic today and I just want to know what am I doing wrong any points or tips ?
1. How much sp have you got? 2. What are the rank of your arts? 3. What arts are you using? 4. Is the load out you using for survivability or damage? 5. What allies are you using? 6. Have you got the correct mods for your gear? When tanking you have to question yourself if you’ve got everything when jumping into elites. Obviously, rage tank is by far the strongest from a mile, but if you’ve got literally everything then you can make any tank OP. Are you a tank that is kiting (moves) a lot or a heavy dom tank that stands still and takes the hits while you heal yourself? Did you spec your sp correctly? Atomic is really goood if you have the aura up but rage is just brokennnn. Watch wrecker runs dcuo tank videos and copy his spec and loadout. I guarantee when you use his loadout you’d be strong asf.
I was Hard light but want to start Tanking. What Tank power do you recommend to start out with considering I will have fresh/low level artifacts for tanking?
Fire to me is a good one to start with. You just have to remember to keep the enemies burning and use your healing powers like backdraft a lot. Ice is also a good beginner tank because you can fill your loadout bar with 3-4 shields and basically rotate those to keep from taking large amounts of damage.
@@DackMan pretty sure I looked the other day on live at the description of the tank role next to level 10 where you unlock it. It explains the dom to health but I believe leaves out the hit counter. Could be wrong
@@Slaqerz I know you are right on the 50% Dom and I believe you are correct on the 15 hits as well. I posted a note in the Description. I wish I would have looked one more time at the passives before I posted the video. It's not a world ending mistake but because of the time I invested in the video it's really annoying to have put out any outdated info.
IMO you have the best DCUO videos on UA-cam, Your videos have helped me a great deal. Thanks
Manacles, Symbol, and Proto are the current reigning meta for tanks. Manacles is by far the most powerful of all tank arts with symbol being a close 2nd. I use Gemini art a lot if I wanna use perfect poise slot for its strong shield (w/ Gemini buffs making it stronger) and having more control from control effects. Lasso is useful in certain situations, but far and few. Circe's mask has been useful in certain situations, but I have yet to test it more. Kiting is a technique many need to learn and perfect. Full time tank here, soon to be a part time healer. Always looking to support new tanks and content in educating new tanks. I usually run elite raids and liked your explanation of tanks not being "invincible". It's more like you've been thrown into a bull pen with only a red cloth and you are running for your life. Lol
The mask has been quite helpful in elite content because when ads break your shield they get stunned and it gives you time to react. I love the benefits it gave in ffe.
@@Kiryu Agreed, I found it was useful for the adds in ToTDe before they nerfed it, with a guaranteed stun and increased heals at r200.
I am trying to learn how to tank now but am still very new. Even a lot of the beginner videos sounds like another language to me but I'm trying to educate myself and learn. I'm currently just trying to stack SPs and salvage as much as possible while leveling up so I have the resources I need once I figure out what powers I need to focus on.
I've gotten back into tanking after four years, and one thing that never changes are "OP DPSes" running ahead of the tank. What I would suggest is to not be afraid of telling someone to back off if they're constantly underfoot. It's just Raiding 101 that you don't run ahead of the tank. My attitude is if a damage farmer goes down where I'm tanking, that's just too bad, and it needs to be a learning moment for that person.
If someone is so close they can't see when the skull is over the bosses head, they deserve to get one-shotted. That sounds harsh, but how else are they going to learn the game? One of the worst things to happen to DCUO was the CR skip token because it takes a while to learn how to play a role, and the nuances of the powers. I'll own that I was completely awful my first few months in the game, but because I was forced to learn over the course of working my way through the older content, and getting a feel for how the game works, by the time I got to what was then the end of game, I could at least hold my own in DPS or support. It's not talent, it's repetition, and people letting you know what you're doing wrong and right.
"If someone is so close they can't see when the skull is over the bosses head, they deserve to get one-shotted. That sounds harsh, but how else are they going to learn the game?"
I have been playing the game for quite a long time and I still have issues seeing the tells of the raids at times. Its not that people are not learning but its because its literally hard to see it with all of the digital noise and clutter of power particles/FX. Its even worse on people with glasses and those whom are older and are a bit slower on reflexes.
" It's just Raiding 101 that you don't run ahead of the tank."
Initially,people these days go into an MMORPG like DCUO and automatically assume its like any other game. Not to mention each MMORPG is different in terms of content,style and role mechanics. Going into a game like this is not for everyone and the ones that want to push the genre to go faster an faster are ruining it honestly. I get in debates with these same people all the time about story...well if you slowed down enough to pay attention or acknowledge things you might realize the content is the story. DCUO is about experiencing the story...not about being told or shown it.
"It's not talent, it's repetition, and people letting you know what you're doing wrong and right."
Repetition is most of it. Also people letting you know what you are doing right and wrong is subjective and based on a percentage of preference. I am not saying there is no elitism,min/maxing or meta,I am just saying that people can play well in any role if they have enough experience. Take Dacks video here...a lot of what he has stated is NOT basics. His choices were at times based on a style and power he prefers....also what he has experienced. The basics is what you need to focus on for each version of that role/power...in this case for a tank there are 4 builds (a build for each focus which is weapons,hybrid or power and than battle tanking which is outside the box and could use any focus depending on the rest of your build) to base "basic" goals on. At the end of the day,people need to stop forcing the meta on others and focus more on helping others develop what they are comfortable with. A good player can make almost any build work if they know what to do. Sadly,like I commented on the video...people rebel against being directed or told how to do something. I understand if the player is aware and is playing an underdog build because they want to or an experienced player playing a battle tank...but when it is clear that the player has no idea of synergy and stuff because they are new or playing mindlessly I do not understand why people are unable to take criticism and help.
@@Something-Somes You're right that there are some issues with pixels and noise, but a player should be aware of those and adjust their game accordingly. My vision and reflexes aren't what they used to be, but that means I'm a little further back, and more willing to pop a shield. My point is that there are players who are so close they come between the tank and the boss which makes it difficult for a tank to do his/her job.
Tanks exist in other MMORPGs just as surely as there are DPSs who run ahead of them, and get knocked out all the time.
There are all kinds of good players and good approaches to playing DCUO, but even more bad ones. Most of the bad play comes from players who disregard what the rest of the team is doing, the mechanics and scoreboard chasing. Bad players need to be called out for bad teamwork, and selfish play.
@@tamartin64 Yeah and no,in some cases the so called "bad players" could be fine but the other players just do not want to play a certain way. Take battle tanking for an example,its slower because of the stat spread on the tank...people hate having to slow down for the tank and never want to adjust. Its more up to the players behind the tank to adjust rather than the tank adjust to them. Its proper etiquette in MMORPGs to follow the tank. If a good tank knows they are outclassed they will need to communicate with the group to get extra help with control and focused heals. But yeah,it comes down to positive communication and not being negative. At the end of the day there will always be that 1 person you have no choice but to leave the group for...it happens and comes with the genre. Sometimes if you get a good group they can carry they bad apples but unfortunately that can be a rare happening these days lol.
Tanking elite content has caused me to see how important Manacles of Force are. I also 100% support the use of Eye of Gemini. There’s no need to use 2 supercharges because 25% supercharges have only a 15 second cooldown. I use it for the 6 seconds buffs, but I also pop Pheremone Bloom as a huge self-heal in case things get ugly. That’s almost always enough to extend my life to fix any issues, like Brick dying or Stoneskin ending.
Great guide! I have been wrapping my head around tanking in DCUO (Currently playing an Ice Tank). Feel like I have a pretty good grasp on it, but this definitely cleared up some things for me.
Glad it helped
Great video. I find most of the advice to be a little more relevant to elite content. I would also mention that tanks are nearly invincible in normal content, where gemini becomes better
I am a full time rage tank and can say that the manacles are a absolute must.
Awesome guide here. I casually would tank and I familiar with it. This is very helpful in reinforcing things I might have forget since I don't tank. I mainly use DPS with Healing and now I feel like I should attempt tank again.
I use dilustel at rank 160 because the health buff does alot especially if someone has a cog or tetra my sp is 522 so i dont need to max them my other two artifacts are at 120
You can stack the benefits of that artifact especially if your rage or atomic by wearing the Everyman and using Queen Diana's passive ability. Your pulls will not only Grant you increased health but they will reduce the damage of your enemy's attacks and increase your defense.
Great vid
For fire absolutely make sure you max out restoration you will last alot longer even with less health
And for dominance use base mods it'll put you over. You can use the extra skill points for health or if you feel like your really lacking in damage put a Lil in precision
How is fire for tanking elite? Since it’s the only power with no actual shield lol.
@@TuffLuckBro it does have a shield works a Lil different than the rest. For one it damages your enemies over time too it negates some damage and the damage you do receive it heals multiplied by that which will depend on your restoration vitality and might.
@@TuffLuckBro also as a fire tank you're healing so much from just using powers to pull and tank that you shouldn't need a shield. And if you got the right load out and artifacts you should have an extra slot left to get a hardlite shield for just incase
@@TuffLuckBro I do more damage/ take more than other tanks that are above my cr and heal myself more than healers heal everyone and I heal others at the same time bc of my artifacts. It's a more complex build to use but once you master it nothing really competes which is why they keep trying to nerf it
How do you feel about the new Marvel MMO? Would you want it to be like DCUO where you create your own toon, or like Marvel Heroes where you play as Ironman,
Spider-Man, Wolverine etc.?
I'm interested just because it's new but it would have to be one where you can create your own toon or I wouldn't even try to play it. It's getting a slot in my next news dump.
@@DackMan I am with you on this. I have played all the diablo style Marvel Aliance games and the flop much like those that was Omega...I just feel more inclined to play my own character than to play one that is already established for me. It allows me to be creative and express myself all while also having fun playing the game. The variety and ability to be unique from others is appealing...which also leads into power types and other forms of options for playing...if you only have a choice of iconic characters its ok but you have no option to change what they do or what they look like and so on. It can get stale...if you have the ability to change it whenever you want than it freshens things up a bit.
I think this is where DCUO excels because they do have modes that allow you to play with iconic characters while also having your own.
I feel if this new Marvel MMO follows the same formula as DCUO...I think everyone from DCUO will switch just for something new. Which will result in the fall of DCUO sadly. Though I will be with DCUO until the very last moment its online or until I die...I am just too invested at this point.
Nice loadout bro
The issue with communication and Tanking is that no one wants to listen to you,as a matter of fact...its like that with any role. With this generation it has come to be that if you direct someone with instructions they immediately rebel and do what they want anyway.
That's every human generation.
@@comettoss3935 It was a bad choice of words,I meant to say younger players but yes and no to your comment. It generally has to do with how a person is raised and what state the general public is in. People in general have been getting desensitized and conditioned to be the way they are...opting for the proverbial blue pill and living in their fabricated matrix. Though at the end of the day,people do have the right to play how they please and you really do not have the right to judge them for it. Some people play to have fun,some to relax and some to just win at any cost. If you want the latter than you should find a league and leave the pubs alone. Otherwise adapt to them and suck it up. That is how it is when the roles are reversed so it is only logical to follow that etiquette. Its not like the developers will adjust to the people so we have to adjust to eachother and the game. If you refuse to do that than just move on to another game...you are just making things unenjoyable for yourself and everyone else.
Miss u DMG
I don't know if this is accurate but ice is probably the best beginning tank power in my opinion
It's also a great power if you're a seasonal player who understands PVP. You can apply what's you learned like looking for opportunities to counter and enemies attacks.
Okay I really need help to understand this , I use to play on PlayStation years ago and I was a healer mainly but I’m starting to love tanking on the Xbox side but I be watching videos on them tanking elite and they barely be taking damage and when I get in elite it’s like I can barely survive the tsde bosses or ads but I beat towwe yesterday and I was fire and I love it but I switch to atomic today and I just want to know what am I doing wrong any points or tips ?
1. How much sp have you got?
2. What are the rank of your arts?
3. What arts are you using?
4. Is the load out you using for survivability or damage?
5. What allies are you using?
6. Have you got the correct mods for your gear?
When tanking you have to question yourself if you’ve got everything when jumping into elites. Obviously, rage tank is by far the strongest from a mile, but if you’ve got literally everything then you can make any tank OP. Are you a tank that is kiting (moves) a lot or a heavy dom tank that stands still and takes the hits while you heal yourself? Did you spec your sp correctly? Atomic is really goood if you have the aura up but rage is just brokennnn.
Watch wrecker runs dcuo tank videos and copy his spec and loadout. I guarantee when you use his loadout you’d be strong asf.
How are you getting that chain link around the adds?
That was an Artifact effect from the troll in the group.
I was Hard light but want to start Tanking. What Tank power do you recommend to start out with considering I will have fresh/low level artifacts for tanking?
Fire to me is a good one to start with. You just have to remember to keep the enemies burning and use your healing powers like backdraft a lot. Ice is also a good beginner tank because you can fill your loadout bar with 3-4 shields and basically rotate those to keep from taking large amounts of damage.
@@DackMan 2 OG Tank powers bet
Pretty sure for rage they reduced the hit counter needed to 15 from 50 when they nerfed the health from dom to 50% from 100%
Hmmm. I need to look into that. I was going off the stats revamp info but it's been long enough that something could have changed.
@@DackMan pretty sure I looked the other day on live at the description of the tank role next to level 10 where you unlock it. It explains the dom to health but I believe leaves out the hit counter. Could be wrong
@@Slaqerz I know you are right on the 50% Dom and I believe you are correct on the 15 hits as well. I posted a note in the Description. I wish I would have looked one more time at the passives before I posted the video. It's not a world ending mistake but because of the time I invested in the video it's really annoying to have put out any outdated info.
@@DackMan all good, there’s a lot of stuff that isn’t totally noticeable at first.
Just a question. While I have played DCUO and I played for a few years, I prefer Dungeons and Dragons Online. The question is, have you played DDO?
No I haven't. I looked at it once when I was doing first impression reviews but never got around to actually playing it so I could review it.
Can any power become tank?
Fire, Ice, Earth, Atomic, and Rage are the only tanks.
I’m black